The rise in armed violence across Haiti has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis, with at least 170,000 children internally displaced. This alarming figure, twice as high as last year, highlights the rapid deterioration of the situation and its profound impact on the country's most vulnerable children and families.

In January 2024, the latest figures reveal that nearly 314,000 people had to flee their homes across the country, mainly in Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite department, half of whom were children. In less than two weeks, nearly 2,500 people, mostly women and children, have been newly displaced following clashes in the Solino and Gabelliste regions. The current situation places enormous pressure on the already limited resources of host communities and existing social services.

"In Haiti, children and families are experiencing unrelenting waves of brutal violence, with each day bringing new horrors, the loss of loved ones, homes destroyed by fire and an ever-present shadow of fear," said Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti who visited three displaced sites in downtown Port-au-Prince. "Deprived of essential products such as food, health care and education, they are mired in a crisis that deprives the very essence of childhood. It is a humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding before our eyes."

Preliminary reports received by UNICEF paint a harrowing picture of the current crisis, revealing serious violations of children's rights. Tragically, children are caught in the crossfire, sustain injuries or lose their lives, with some incidents occurring on the way to school. In addition, cases of children being forcibly recruited are increasing, while others join armed groups driven by desperation.

"We cannot stand idly by while the future of Haiti's children is eroded by endless suffering. Every moment of inaction deepens the crisis consuming their lives. The global community has a duty to bring hope and change to these young lives, ensuring a better, more secure future for them," said Maes.

In 2024, UNICEF estimates that 3 million children across Haiti will need humanitarian assistance due to escalating violence, malnutrition, resurgence of cholera and basic services on the brink. the collapse. More than a third of them are in urgent need of protection, and this number is expected to rise if conditions deteriorate.

HL/ HaitiLibre